It's week 25 - the time to start planning for your little one's arrival! Creating a birthing plan is an important step in the journey to becoming a parent. Take some time to explore the things you need to consider when making your birth plan - it's sure to help you feel more prepared and excited for your baby's arrival!
Your body
What to expect in Week 25
In Week 25, you are starting to feel uncomfortable because of simple things that you may not be able to do easily, like bending. You are also likely to get back aches and feel clumsy with movements. That is because your uterus is growing rapidly. It is the size of a football! You are likely to be puffy and swollen in your face, hands and feet and your fingers may feel numb and tingly. Your hair looks thick and lustrous – enjoy! For information on what to expect in the third trimester, click here.
Baby size
What to expect
Your baby is the size of a small Eggplant or Aubergine (roughly 32 cm and 640 gms).
Your baby
What to expect
Baby is getting hiccups and sticking out his/her tongue! The brain, lungs and digestive system are quite developed. The first bowel movement has taken place. Kidneys are functioning and the baby can pass urine!
Taking care of yourself
Tips
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- Sit up straight when you eat, eat small and healthy meals, and cut back on tea or coffee to prevent indigestion problems – heartburn, nausea, and distension.
- If your vision seems blurred try not to worry too much – it will pass off after delivery.
- Carry on doing pelvic floor exercises, and have lots of water and food rich in fibre to help with constipation.
- Maintain oral hygiene – brush your teeth at least twice a day. Periodontitis, a serious infection of the gums has been linked to premature birth and increased risk of pregnancy-related serious illnesses.
- Use a moisturiser or calamine lotion if your skin feels itchy.
To know more about COVID and Pregnancy, click here.
Ask your doctor
- My face, hands and feet feel puffy and swollen. I also get splitting headaches. Can this be due to high blood pressure in pregnancy?
- I get this tingling sensation and a constant urge to move my legs. Could this be due to iron deficiency?
- My wrists hurt and I can barely move my fingers. Can acupuncture help?
- I often think that I don’t deserve to be happy! I think I have depression.
Actions
To do list
- Get weight checked and assessed.
- Have folic acid supplement and prenatal vitamins
- Book an antenatal appointment.
- Ask how to prevent depression after birth.
Kushal workshops are conducted once a week to help pregnant women learn how to stay physically and mentally healthy.
Questions you may have
What is a birth plan?
“Birth plans are personal. It is about thinking through what you would like to happen during your labour and after the birth. I planned where I wanted to give birth, what kind of pain relief I would like, discuss caesarean section and what should I be looking out for in my newborn. I was advised to discuss my birthing plan with my husband, how he could help and to be flexible as all may not go as per plan!”
A birth plan is a written record of what you want to happen during and after the birth. You are not required to create a birth plan, but if you do, your midwife can assist you. Discussing a birth plan with your midwife allows you to ask questions and learn more about what happens during labour. It also allows your midwife to get to know you better and understand your feelings and priorities, as well as allows you to think about or discuss certain issues more fully with your partner, friends, and family. You can change your mind about your labour and birth preferences at any time.
I generally have a lot of hair loss. Last few weeks my hair looks thicker, has a nice lustre shining and looks quite good! Will this stay?
“Normal daily hair loss is suppressed by pregnancy hormones. Enjoy the look for now. After delivery, you will shed quite a lot - all the hair that does not fall now!”
Hormonal changes during pregnancy can cause your hair to thicken or thin. Around 15 weeks of pregnancy, many women notice their hair becoming thicker. This is not because each hair strand becomes thicker, but because the hair stays in the growing phase of its cycle for longer, resulting in less hair falling out than usual. This is due to an increase in the oestrogen hormone.
BIRTH PLAN
NHS, UK
Changes to your hair
Department of Health, Australia
Disclaimer
Kushal's website provides health, fitness, and nutrition recommendations for informational purposes only. The information provided is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you have any health concerns, you should always check with your healthcare provider.